Loan financing for assistive technology: strategies for development, current programs, and recommendations for the future

Abstract

This article highlights the need for and impact of loan financing programs for the acquisition of assistive technology. The importance of consumer involvement in all aspects of program development and operation will be emphasized. An in-depth review of the potential that loan financing holds for persons with disabilities is provided through a discussion of the need for alternative financing strategies; an analysis of the results of the National Research of Loan Financing Strategies; and a sample of current loan financing programs for assistive technology. The authors would like to clarify that the loan programs identified were surveyed over a year ago, therefore the figures provided may be somewhat dated. Since the completion of this article, several other states have initiated assistive technology loan programs which are not reported within. Information on these programs can be obtained by contacting the authors directly. We would also like to acknowledge the loan program staff from Nevada, Maine, South Carolina, and Connecticut for their contributions. Copyright © 1996 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.